The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). This initiative marks a major step toward the Indian Government’s vision of exploring Venus, expanding the country’s efforts beyond the Moon and Mars. Venus, Earth’s closest planetary neighbor, provides an unparalleled opportunity to study how planetary environments evolve differently under similar initial conditions.
Objectives of the Venus Orbiter Mission
The Department of Space will undertake the mission, which aims to orbit a scientific spacecraft around Venus. Key objectives include:
- Gaining a better understanding of Venusian surface and subsurface characteristics.
- Studying atmospheric processes and the impact of solar radiation on Venus.
- Investigating the transformation of Venus, which is believed to have once been habitable and similar to Earth.
- Understanding planetary evolution, offering insights into both Venus and Earth.
Role of ISRO in the Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be responsible for developing the spacecraft and its launch. The mission will be managed using ISRO’s well-established practices. Data generated from the mission will be shared with the global scientific community.
Timeline and Scientific Outcomes
The mission is targeted for launch in March 2028, taking advantage of favorable conditions. The Indian Venus Mission is expected to answer key scientific questions about Venus and yield a variety of valuable scientific outcomes.
Employment and Technological Benefits
The project will have a significant impact on employment and technology in India. Several industries will be involved in the realization of the spacecraft and launch vehicle, leading to job creation and technology transfer to other sectors of the economy.
Budget and Cost Allocation
The total approved budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission is Rs. 1236 Crore, with Rs. 824 Crore allocated for spacecraft development, including:
- Specific payloads and technology elements.
- Global ground station support for navigation and network.
- Launch vehicle costs.
Academic and Industry Involvement
The mission will engage various Indian industries and academic institutions in its development. Student training will be provided in areas such as design, testing, and data analysis. The mission will offer the Indian scientific community access to new and valuable data, leading to novel research opportunities.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who will be responsible for developing the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)?
- A) DRDO
- B) ISRO
- C) NASA
- D) SpaceX
Answer: B) ISRO
- What is the main objective of the Venus Orbiter Mission?
- A) To land on Venus
- B) To understand Venusian surface and atmospheric processes
- C) To explore Mars
- D) To establish a space station
Answer: B) To understand Venusian surface and atmospheric processes
- When is the Venus Orbiter Mission expected to launch?
- A) 2025
- B) 2026
- C) 2028
- D) 2030
Answer: C) 2028
- What is the total approved budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission?
- A) Rs. 824 Crore
- B) Rs. 1000 Crore
- C) Rs. 1236 Crore
- D) Rs. 2000 Crore
Answer: C) Rs. 1236 Crore
- What opportunity will the mission provide to the Indian scientific community?
- A) New and valuable science data
- B) Space tourism opportunities
- C) Military research
- D) None of the above
Answer: A) New and valuable science data